Schools, education and childcare Free childcare: 30 hours if your child is three or four

All three and four year olds can get up to 15 hours of free early education and childcare each week for 38 weeks of the year.

Some families get an extra 15 hours a week – 30 hours in total. If you’re not sure, check if you can get free childcare.

To get the extra 15 hours you must apply for an eligibility code by:

  • 31 August - funding starting in the autumn term
  • 31 December - funding starting in the spring term
  • 31 March - funding starting in the summer term

Make sure you allow time when applying. It can take up to 15 days from the date you apply for HMRC to issue a code.
 
The valid start date is the date a code is issued and not the date of application.
 
Read about free childcare and how to claim.

Find out more and apply at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

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